New Laws Taking Effect on July 1

A number of new laws passed during the 2016 Legislative Session will take effect tomorrow, July 1. These new laws may have an impact on you, your business, or our community.

Here are a couple of major bills taking effect today:

The State Budget (PA 15-244)

The new state budget will take effect today. To take a look at the FY2017 budget click here.

Crumbling Foundations (PA 16-45) 

I supported legislation this year to help address the crumbling foundation issue impacting hundreds of homeowners in Eastern Connecticut. The law includes three important measures to help current homeowners and protect future homeowners from this crisis.

• Requires documentation when a concrete foundation is installed on or after October 1, 2016.

• Allows owners of buildings affected by deteriorating foundations to request a reassessment of their property to reflect the current value.

• Orders the Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection to submit a report to the General Assembly on the possible cause or causes of failing concrete foundations.

This week, we received information from the Attorney General’s Office that a potential new program is currently being negotiated with the state’s insurers to provide financial assistance to homeowners living with a crumbling foundation. I will continue to keep you updated on this new program if, and when, more information is available.

Opioid Prescription Limits (PA 16-43)

In an effort to combat the opioid addiction epidemic facing Connecticut, we passed legislation which puts a seven-day cap on the initial prescription of opioid drugs. The bill also requires municipalities to train all first responders on the use of Narcan, a drug used to reverse an opioid overdose.

Entrepreneur Learner’s Permit (SA 16-1)

This bill assists first-time entrepreneurs in certain business sectors by reimbursing them for state fees associated with forming a business.

For a full list of bills taking effect today click here. More recently passed laws will take effect on October 1, 2016, and January 1,2017 as well.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel to contact me at Tim.Ackert@housegop.ct.gov or (860) 240-8700.